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On the other hand, we’re coming to the end of an eight-week race to fill the spot vacated by former Rep. Steve Sviggum, who left the District 28B seat because he’s joined the Pawlenty administration. Because of the short time and the off-cycle election, both candidates, Steve Drazkowski and Linda Pfeilsticker, were forced to get to brass tacks — the issues that matter most — immediately while leaving some of the political mudslinging and shenanigans behind.
Those willing to do a bit of research were able to find both candidates have positions on many issues facing southeast Minnesota. Both were well prepared. In this race, it may actually be about the issues, not just about partisan politics or slick advertisements.
And that’s why we believe Linda Pfeilsticker is the best choice.
Her campaign focuses on the three main issues we believe best match up with the needs of southeast Minnesota and the entire state — education, health care and economic development (with special attention to rural areas).
While Steve Drazkowski has given voters much to chew on with various political position papers, we believe his campaign focused entirely too much on wedge issues, aimed at pandering to small but vocal segments of the GOP. Abortion and immigration are federal hot-button topics meant to polarize voters. Right now in this politically charged environment, we need to talk about what issues really matter, not what issues really raise our blood pressure.
And, we believe Pfeilsticker’s three main platforms are just those type of issues.
First, education remains a huge topic, especially for this region. Parity in per-pupil funding, standardized test scores, rising tuition costs and less aid for public universities are all issues that affect Minnesotans, but seem even more important in this region. As a teacher, Pfeilsticker understands this issue better than most.
During last year’s campaigning, we heard from almost every candidate the No. 1 issue was the rising cost of health care and the growing number of people who don’t have access to it. In a region known for outstanding health care, Pfeilsticker would have access to tremendous resources that might be leveraged to help Minnesota become a national leader in health care coverage. Moreover, her experience as the lead negotiator for the Winona Education Association has given her firsthand knowledge of the challenges of rising health care costs.
Finally, in a virtual agricultural paradise and maybe the most beautiful stretch of the Mississippi River, District 28B continues to be an area for economic opportunities. Pfeilsticker understands the state has a role to play in that development. She understands that small communities depend on local government aid to provide services that will help entice businesses and residents to locate in rural areas.
The best indicator of future performance is past action, and Pfeilsticker’s past demonstrates leadership as a lead negotiator. But maybe even more important and promising are what former students say — that she inspired them, that she cared for them, that they want to vote for her. Those testimonials say more about her leadership than any position paper, debate or editorial ever could. That’s the kind of leadership District 28B needs.
the Winona Daily News editorial board also includes publisher Rusty Cunningham and online editor Jerome Christenson. To comment, call 453-3522 or send e-mail to letters@winonadailynews.com.
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